Ideal for low-power Hall thruster systems
MUSIC hollow cathode
1 A-class LaB6 cathode | International customers
The electron source behind Aliena's Hall effect thrusters. A flight-ready hollow cathode delivering reliable ignition and stable operation for Hall thrusters from 70 - 350 W.
MUSIC Hall thruster empowered by the MUSIC hollow cathode
Specifications
Type
Heated (ceramic encapsulated )
Emitter
Current
Ignition heating power
Flow rate (Xe)
Alternative working gas
Suggested thruster power
Self-sustained operation
Startup time
Mass / Dimensions
Lanthanum hexaboride
0.2 - 1.2 A
< 50 W
0.05 - 0.16 mg/s
Kr
70 - 350 W
Yes
4.5 minutes
50 g | 3 cm x 4.5 cm
Available for lease in R&D or purchase for flight missions | Ready for flight. Coupled internationally with two external third-party Hall thrusters in programs and test campaigns
Specifications
Type
Heated (swaged heater)
Emitter
Current
Ignition heating power
Flow rate (Xe)
Alternative working gas
Suggested thruster power
Self-sustained operation
Startup time
Mass / Dimensions
Lanthanum hexaboride
2.5 - 5.0 A
< 100 W
0.37 - 0.57 mg/s
Kr
0.5 - 2.0 kW
Yes
5 minutes
210 g | 5.5 cm x 10 cm
Available for lease in R&D or purchase for flight missions | Ready for flight. Coupled internationally with external third-party Hall thrusters in programs and test campaigns
For next generation missions
Hydrocat hollow cathode
5 A-class LaB6 cathode | Altenate propellants
Designed for the most ambitious Hall thruster systems. A versatile high-current hollow cathode engineered for Hall thrusters up to 3.5 kW, compatible with xenon, krypton, argon, nitrogen, and hydrogen.
Hydrocat operating with hydrogen with a water electrolysis Hall thruster
(c) URA thrusters / Imperial College London
Specifications
Type
Emitter
Current
Ignition heating power
Flow rate (Xe)
Alternative working gas
Suggested thruster power
Self-sustained operation
Startup time
Mass / Dimensions
Heated
Lanthanum hexaboride
3.5 - 10.0 A
< 200 W
0.47 - 0.76 mg/s
Xenon, Krypton, Argon, Nitrogen, Hydrogen
0.9 - 10.0 kW
Yes
10 minutes
250 g | 6.0 cm x 9.25 cm
Available for lease in R&D or development for flight missions | Coupled internationally with two external third-party Hall thrusters using non-conventional propellants in programs and test campaigns